CHAE Ghana Petitions Mahama for Military Base to End Gomoa Land Guard Menace

The Center for Human Advancement and Empowerment (CHAE Ghana), under the leadership of its President, Mr. Bright Botchway, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to consider establishing a military base in the Gomoa East District to address rising insecurity linked to land guard activities in the Gomoa and Awutu Senya enclaves.

In a petition dated October 3, 2026, and addressed to the President through the Minister for Defence, the organisation said the fast-growing districts along the Accra–Cape Coast corridor have become hotspots for armed violence arising from land disputes.

The Executive Director of CHAE Ghana, Bright Botchway, who signed the petition, stated that the request is being made on behalf of residents of Gomoa East, Gomoa West, Gomoa Central, Awutu Senya East and Awutu Senya West.

Rising Attacks

According to the petition, media reports over the past years have documented several violent incidents attributed to land guards.

It cited the killing of Lance Corporal Michael Danso of the Ghana Army on April 30, 2024, during a land dispute at Millennium City, Gomoa Fetteh, and an attack on the Gomoa Akyempim Palace on July 9, 2024, by armed men demanding a GH¢4,000 digging fee.

The petition also referenced shootings at Gomoa Fetteh, Fetteh Kakraba, Toansah and Awutu Papaase, the halting of a clinic project at Fetteh Kakraba, and the loss of livelihoods by more than 2,000 salt producers at Dampase.

CHAE Ghana noted that although district assemblies, security councils and police commands have banned digging fees and made arrests, traditional leaders say the attacks persist.

Why a Military Base

The organisation argued that a military installation in Gomoa East would deter armed groups, ensure rapid response to crises, and support the Ghana Police Service in enforcing the Land Act, 2020, which prescribes jail terms of five to fifteen years for land guard activities.

It added that the base would also assist in disaster relief operations and bring economic benefits through job creation and increased local trade.

The Request

CHAE Ghana is therefore asking President Mahama to direct the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces to conduct a feasibility assessment for the establishment of the base.

In the interim, it is requesting joint military–police patrols and enhanced police presence across the five districts.

The group says it will mobilise chiefs, district assemblies and community leaders to support the project and help identify suitable land through traditional authorities.

Copies of the petition have been sent to the Minister for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Minister for the Interior, the Inspector-General of Police, the Central Regional Minister, District Chief Executives of the affected districts, Members of Parliament for the five constituencies, and the Gomoa Akyempim and Senya Bereku Traditional Councils.

Story: Lawerence Odoom